ElectricalTrends

ElectricalTrends is a blog dedicated to the electrical distribution sector. Launched in August 2007, it was a joint effort by David Gordon from Channel Marketing Group and Allen Ray from Allen Ray Associates*. After a remarkable career spanning more than 40 years in the electrical distribution field, Allen stepped down in August 2016. The goal of ElectricalTrends is to provide valuable insights, thoughts, and ideas that spark conversations about trends and happenings in the industry, all aimed at helping our readers enhance their businesses.

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The Evolution of Copper

2 days ago | electricaltrends.com | David Gordon

A few weeks ago, Dr. Copper, (aka Dr. John Gross), shared a retrospective history of the copper industry in his Copper JournalIn the report he had a chart showing the red metal’s consumption by end-user market based upon information from the Copper Development Association. There were also two charts showing wire mill product market share by market … in 1970 and then in 2023.
Planning to Sell. Prepare Leadership Plan.

1 week ago | electricaltrends.com | David Gordon

Thinking of selling to capitalize on the business, and maybe diversify your financial holdings, but not ready to retire? Possibly interested in the proverbial “bite of the second apple”? Perhaps a private equity (PE) firm is in your future. PE firms have not been too prevalent in the electrical distribution side of the business. There are more on the manufacturer side. Valley Lighting’s recent sale to Cadmus is the most recent.
MDM Shift Delivers Thought Leadership & Ideas

1 week ago | electricaltrends.com | David Gordon

A couple of weeks ago John Gunderson and I had the privilege to be invited to the NAW / MDM Shift conference. John was a conference presenter. Channel Marketing Group was proud to partner with NAW and MDM to promote the conference and provide our readers with a discount on the registration fee. This thought leadership conference had about 175 distributor attendees. Market leaders from a wide array of industries.
2025 NAED National ... "Workman-Like"

1 week ago | electricaltrends.com | David Gordon

Last week’s NAED National Meeting brought the NAED senior leadership meeting season (regionals and national) to an end with the next meeting scheduled being the NAED Western next January. The remainder of the year is NAED’s “niche” meetings – Women in Industry, LEAD, the Marketing Summit and its participation in IDEA’s e-Biz.
Acquisition Activity Picks Up in May

1 week ago | electricaltrends.com | David Gordon

Acquisition activity this year has been very mild. After 117 deals being announced over in 3 ½ years, there were only three deals announced in Q1. But in the last week, another four electrical / lighting distributor deals were announced. Valley Lighting was sold to a private equity firm.
The Lighting Market ... What’s Next?

2 weeks ago | electricaltrends.com | David Gordon

With many commenting that the lighting industry is “slow” and some companies undergoing retraction you may think that lighting innovation is declining, and the future may be dimming. Repeatedly you hear of value-engineering and the commoditization of the industry, especially the “white goods” sector. Many are “betting” on lighting controls and controls being “smart” and hoping that this will generate new opportunities for the lighting segment.
Parspec to Power Rexel Contractor Portal

2 weeks ago | electricaltrends.com | David Gordon

We’re seeing distributors continue to invest in software tools that streamline processes, increase capacity, and generate enhanced services … all in an effort to reduce costs and increase sales.
Motivate eCommerce Orders from Contractors

3 weeks ago | electricaltrends.com | David Gordon

How do you motivate contractors to place orders via your website? Make eCommerce easy for them. Just like Amazon found the secret weapon to increase B2C eCommerce sales by closing the last mile so that, as consumers, we knew we could get our order in two days (years ago when Prime was first introduced), for contractors, eCommerce ordering must be simple and meet the way they order, not ask them to do something different.
Q1 Earnings - AD, Grainger, Graybar, Rexel, Wesco and Emcor

3 weeks ago | electricaltrends.com | David Gordon

Over the past few weeks companies have been releasing their quarterly earnings, which enables a peak into performance and strategies and gives the opportunity to identify any trends. Kevin Coleman, formerly Director of Market Intelligence for Signify, supports Channel Marketing Group, and our clients, with various research initiatives. He has been diving into all of the reports, First we’re sharing his findings on a contractor (EMCOR) and various electrical distributors.
Manufacturer - Rep Compensation Models

3 weeks ago | electricaltrends.com | Gene Biben |David Gordon

Two representatives recently contacted me to solicit my input regarding contracts from two manufacturers on potential compensation changes that were being introduced. Over the years I have worked with manufacturers on their rep contracts and have found many to be understanding of the suggested changes.